Prototype of the Month: Russell Schwartz

The criteria and standards that we look for when our team puts in their nominations for  Prototype of the month are Coachability, Caring, and Community and in our opinion, Russ encompasses all three of those qualities handily. Congratulations Russ!

1.) Share your experience at Prototype: 

     I initially got involved with prototype in 2012/2013 when Mike and Brian asked me to teach an introductory boxing class. Once I got the taste of what Prototype had to offer, I became a member.  

The trainers and members of prototype are a unique group. There is a community feel and sincere, inclusive vibe and environment that makes it easy and fun to show up day after day. 

It has been enjoyable for me to see the evolution and growth of the coaches and members over the last 10 years. Those who started with me in the early days who were very young, have grown, evolved, matured, and have started families of their own. 

2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? 

I have experienced many CrossFit gyms over the years. Each box has its own individual personality. What is most enjoyable for me at Prototype, is to come to a box that is clean, well-run, reasonably competitive, and friendly.  For those of you who have visited other boxes, these characteristics are not a given.  

Everything at prototype is geared toward meeting reasonable and safe expectations of the coaches and members.  

3.) What are your hobbies and activities? 

I enjoy boating, water skiing and playing drums. 

Rhonda and I enjoy traveling. 

4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? 

Over the years, I had several back surgeries. I was scheduled for my 4 th surgery after 2 failed disc surgeries in 2018 when Mike put a team together including a physical therapist, chiropractor and Mike as trainer, to attempt to partially resolve my back trouble short of surgery.  Mike did the research and came up with a plan.   He executed the plan and worked with me and the team for 6 months. At the conclusion, Mike was able to create enough stability in my core, to completely eliminate my sciatic back pain and the need for the 4 th surgery.  When I called to cancel the surgery, my doctor was speechless. 

5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? 

Each year around my birthday, I pick a CrossFit movement goal to achieve. First it was handstand holds.  Another year it was handstand push-ups.   My last birthday goal was to learn short distance handstand walks.  

In May I will turn 60.  This year’s birthday goal is to learn how to string butterfly pullups and maybe execute 1 ring muscle up … Time will tell.    

6.) Favorite Quote 

“Walking in the door to a CrossFit box is the hardest part.”

-The Prototype Team

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